WO2007119981A1

WO2007119981A1 - Plate spring assembly and plate spring structure using the same

Info

Publication number: WO2007119981A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/001812
Authority: WO
Inventors: Young Sik Ahn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-04-13
Filing date: 2007-04-13
Publication date: 2007-10-25
Anticipated expiration: 2008-10-13
Also published as: KR100706192B1

Abstract

A plate spring assembly and a plate spring structure using the plate spring assembly are disclosed. The plate spring assembly of the present invention comprises a protruding plate spring (100), which has a band shape and includes coupling protrusions (110), which are provided on each of longitudinal opposite edges of the protruding plate spring at positions spaced apart from each other at regular intervals. The plate spring assembly further comprises a receiving plate spring (200), which has a band shape and includes coupling hole parts, which are formed in each of longitudinal opposite sides of the receiving plate spring (200) at positions spaced apart from each other at regular intervals to correspond to the coupling protrusions (110). Therefore, the present invention can be used in various kinds of industrial apparatuses in which vertical or horizontal carrying operations are conducted.

Description

PLATE SPRING ASSEMBLY AND PLATE SPRING STRUCTURE USING THE SAME

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a plate spring assembly and a plate spring structure, which is constructed to have a pillar shape using the plate spring assembly. Background Art

[2] In the conventional arts, no plate spring assembly or plate spring structure using the plate spring assembly like those of the present invention have been disclosed.

[3] Moreover, in Korean Patent Registration No. 0527308, which was filed by the applicant of the present invention and entitled "Plate Spring Assembly and Plate Spring Structure having Rectangular Pillar Shape Using the Same", as shown in FIGS. 16 through 20, when coupling protrusions 1150 of a protruding plate spring 1100 are coupled to respective coupling hole parts 1250 of a receiving plate spring 1200, each coupling protrusion 1150 is forcibly fitted into an upper locking stop 1251 of the corresponding coupling hole part 1250, so that the coupling protrusion 1150 is slightly twisted. As the twisting process is repeated, the coupling protrusions 1150 of the protruding plate spring 1100 become worn. Furthermore, with respect to the characteristics of the plate spring, the restoring force of the plate spring is reduced by the repeated twists, thus reducing the lifetime thereof, and deteriorating the function thereof.

[4] In addition, in the forcible fitting process, at the moment that a protruding piece

1153 of each coupling protrusion 1150 crosses over the upper locking stop 1251 of the corresponding coupling hole part 1250, the protruding piece 1153 is elastically returned to its original state, and thus strikes the coupling hole part 1250, thereby generating noise.

[5] As well, as shown in FIG. 20, the plate spring structure, which has a rectangular pillar shape and is constructed through the above-mentioned coupling, can withstand a relatively large load with respect to a vertical direction, but cannot withstand a horizontal load. Particularly, there is a disadvantage in that, because a large moment of force is applied to the lower end of the rectangular pillar structure, the plate spring structure cannot be used in a manner in which it protrudes in a horizontal direction.

[6] Moreover, in the case of the coupling hole parts 1250 of the receiving plate spring

1200, space for forming the receiving locking stops 1251 and 1253 is very small, thus resulting in several problems in the molding process for mass production. Therefore, there are several disadvantages in the commercial use of the conventional technique. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[7] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a plate spring assembly and a plate spring structure using the plate spring assembly, in which protruding plate springs and receiving plate springs are coupled to each other through a multiple coupling method, rather than a forcible fitting method, which creates friction between the plate springs or torsion of the plate springs, thus making it possible to construct a rectangular pillar structure having high durability with respect to a horizontal load as well as a vertical load.

[8] Another object of the present invention is to provide a plate spring assembly and a plate spring structure using the plate spring assembly which has no forcible fitting part in the plate springs, thus enhancing abrasion resistance and reducing noise, thereby ensuring reliability and durability, and increasing vertical moving force and moving force, thus being easily applied to various devices and equipment in industrial fields which require high vertical moving force and horizontal moving force. Technical Solution

[9] In an aspect, the present invention provides a plate spring assembly, including: a protruding plate spring having a band shape, with a plurality of coupling protrusions provided on each of longitudinal opposite edges of the protruding plate spring at positions spaced apart from each other at regular intervals; and a receiving plate spring having a band shape, with a plurality of coupling hole parts formed in each of longitudinal opposite sides of the receiving plate spring at positions spaced apart from each other at regular intervals to correspond to the coupling protrusions, wherein each of the coupling hole parts of the receiving plate spring includes: a primary insert slot extending a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction; a plurality of receiving locking stops extending from upper and lower positions of the primary insert slot towards a central portion of the receiving plate spring; and a locking protrusion provided between the plurality of receiving locking stops and protruding towards the primary insert slot, and each of the coupling protrusions of the protruding plate spring is removably inserted into the primary insert slot of the corresponding coupling hole part, and includes: a plurality of protruding locking stops provided on opposite ends of the coupling protrusion, the protruding locking stops being locked to the respective receiving locking stops; and a subsidiary locking hole formed in the coupling protrusion, the subsidiary locking hole being removably fitted over the locking protrusion of the coupling hole part.

[10] Preferably, the locking protrusion of each of the coupling hole parts of the receiving plate spring may have a curved coupling guide line, which guides the corresponding coupling protrusion of the protrusion plate such that the coupling protrusion, which is inserted into the primary slot of the coupling hole part, is moved along a predetermined curved track until the protruding locking stops are locked to the respective receiving locking stops.

[11] Furthermore, gear holes may be formed in each of central portions of the receiving plate spring and the protruding plate spring at positions spaced apart from each other at regular intervals.

[12] In another aspect, the present invention provides a plate spring structure, including: a protruding plate spring having a band shape, with a plurality of coupling protrusions provided on each of longitudinal opposite edges of the protruding spring at positions spaced apart from each other at regular intervals; and a receiving plate spring, having a band shape, with a plurality of coupling hole parts formed in each of longitudinal opposite sides of the receiving plate spring at positions spaced apart from each other at regular intervals to correspond to the coupling protrusions, wherein each of the coupling hole parts of the receiving plate spring includes: a primary insert slot, extending a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction; a plurality of receiving locking stops extending from upper and lower positions of the primary insert slot towards a central portion of the receiving plate spring; and a locking protrusion provided between the plurality of receiving locking stops and protruding towards the primary insert slot, and each of the coupling protrusions of the protruding plate spring is removably inserted into the primary insert slot of the corresponding coupling hole part, and includes: a plurality of protruding locking stops provided on opposite ends of the coupling protrusion, the protruding locking stops being locked to the respective receiving locking stops; and a subsidiary locking hole formed in the coupling protrusion, the subsidiary locking hole being removably fitted over the locking protrusion of the coupling hole part, wherein the protruding plate spring and the receiving plate spring respectively comprise a pair of protruding plate springs, which face each other, and a pair of receiving plate springs, which face each other, to form a rectangular pillar shape, so that the receiving plate spring and the protruding plate spring, which are adjacent to each other, are coupled to each other by coupling between the coupling hole parts and the coupling protrusions thereof.

[13] Preferably, each of the receiving plate springs may further include at least one row of coupling hole parts, which are formed in a longitudinal central portion of the receiving plate spring at positions spaced apart from each other at regular intervals. The plate spring structure may further include at least one protruding plate spring, to be coupled to the coupling hole parts formed in the longitudinal central portions of the receiving plate springs. [14] Furthermore, gear holes may be formed in a central portion of each of the receiving plate springs and the protruding plate springs at positions spaced apart from each other at regular intervals.

[15] The plate spring structure may further include a worm gear provided in the plate spring structure and engaging with the gear holes of the receiving plate springs and the protruding plate springs.

[16] Preferably, the locking protrusion of each of the coupling hole parts of the receiving plate springs may have a curved coupling guide line, which guides the corresponding coupling protrusion of the protrusion plate such that the coupling protrusion, which is inserted into the primary slot of the coupling hole part, is moved along a predetermined curved track until the protruding locking stops are locked to the respective receiving locking stops. The plate spring structure may further include a plurality of coupling guide rollers provided in a lower end of the plate spring structure to guide the respective receiving plate springs such that the coupling protrusions of the protruding plate springs are coupled to or separated from the respective coupling hole parts of the receiving plate springs along the curved tracks.

[17] In addition, the plate spring structure may further include a plurality of protruding plate spring inserting supports disposed above the plurality of coupling guide rollers and pushing inwards the coupling protrusions of the protruding plate springs, which are inserted into the coupling hole parts of the receiving plate springs, such that the coupling protrusions are locked to the receiving locking stops of the coupling hole parts.

[18] As well, the plate spring structure may further include: a first winding means provided below the plate spring structure to wind thereon lower ends of the receiving plate springs, separated from the protruding plate springs; and a second winding means, provided below the first winding means at a position spaced apart from the first winding means by a predetermined distance to wind thereon lower ends of the protruding plate springs separated from the receiving plate springs.

[19] Moreover, the plate spring structure may further include protruding plate spring support guides provided above and below the plurality of coupling guide rollers to guide the protruding plate springs such that the protruding plate springs, to be coupled to or separated from the receiving plate springs, maintain linear states.

Advantageous Effects

[20] The plate spring assembly and the plate spring structure using the plate spring assembly according to the present invention can be used in various kinds of industrial apparatuses that conduct vertical or horizontal carrying operations. Brief Description of the Drawings [21] FIG. 1 is a view showing part of a protruding plate spring according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [22] FIG. 2 is a view showing part of a receiving plate spring according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [23] FIG. 3 illustrates coupling protrusions of the protruding plate spring according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [24] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view illustrating the coupling between the protruding plate spring and the receiving plate spring according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [25] FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view illustrating coupling hole parts of the receiving plate spring according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [26] FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating the coupling between the protruding plate spring and the receiving plate spring according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[27] FIG. 7 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 6;

[28] FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view showing the coupling protrusion of the protruding plate spring inserted into a primary insert slot of the coupling hole part of the receiving plate spring; [29] FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view showing the state in which the coupling protrusion of the protruding plate spring is completely inserted into the coupling hole part of the receiving plate spring so that the protruding plate spring is prevented from being removed in the direction designated by the reference character K, by the curved coupling guide line of the coupling hole part of the receiving plate spring; [30] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a plate spring structure constructed by coupling the protruding plate springs to the receiving plate springs according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [31] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating part of a receiving plate spring according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing multiple rows of coupling hole parts formed through the receiving plate spring in a transverse direction such that several protruding plate springs are coupled to the receiving plate spring; [32] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating part of a receiving plate spring according to a third embodiment of the present invention, showing multiple rows of coupling hole parts formed through the receiving plate spring such that several protruding plate springs are coupled to the receiving plate spring; [33] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a plate spring structure constructed by coupling two pairs of protruding plate springs (four protruding plate springs) to the multiple rows of coupling hole parts of the receiving plate spring according to the second embodiment of the present invention; [34] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a process of constructing the plate spring structure by coupling the protruding plate springs to the receiving plate springs, according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[35] FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating the state in which the upper ends of the protruding plate springs and the receiving plate springs are coupled to each other to construct a plate spring structure while the lower ends thereof are wound to reduce the installation space thereof, according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[36] FIG. 16 is a front view of a protruding plate spring of a conventional plate spring assembly;

[37] FIG. 17 is a front view of a receiving plate spring of the conventional plate spring assembly;

[38] FIG. 18 is enlarged views showing parts of the plate springs of FIGS. 16 and 17;

[39] FIG. 19 is a partially enlarged view showing the coupling state of the conventional plate spring assembly; and

[40] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a conventional plate spring structure.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[41] FIG. 1 is a view showing a protruding plate spring 100 of a plate spring assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view showing a receiving plate spring 200 of the plate spring assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[42] In this embodiment, the plate spring assembly includes a pair of (two) receiving plate springs 200, each of which has multiple rows of coupling hole parts 210 therein, and a pair of (two) protruding plate springs 100. Here, in consideration of durability and the prevention of deformation of a plate spring structure constructed from the plate spring assembly, at least two pairs of protruding plate springs 100 may be provided to form a multiple coupling structure. For example, FIG. 13 shows an embodiment in which several protruding plate springs 100 are provided to form a multiple coupling structure, thus enhancing the durability of the plate spring structure, and preventing the plate spring structure from being deformed in a transverse direction, that is, from being deformed from a rectangular cross-section into a rhombic cross-section, thereby ensuring reliable supporting force of the plate spring structure.

[43] As shown in FIG. 1, coupling protrusions 110 are provided on each of opposite edges of the protruding plate spring 100, having a band shape, at positions spaced apart from each other at regular intervals. As shown in FIG. 3, each coupling protrusion 110 has protruding locking stops 120 and a subsidiary locking hole 130. Here, as shown in FIG. 13, to form the multiple coupling structure, subsidiary protruding plate springs 105 may be used along with the protruding plate springs 100. Each subsidiary protruding plate spring 105 need not have gear holes (refer to the reference numeral 300 of FIG. 1), which are formed in the longitudinal central portion of the plate spring.

[44] The protruding locking stops 120 and the subsidiary locking hole 130 of each coupling protrusion are respectively locked to receiving locking stops 230 (see FIG. 5) and locking protrusions 240 of the corresponding coupling hole part 210 along a curved coupling guide line (refer to the reference character D of FIG. 7). The coupling protrusion 110 and the coupling hole part 210 are constructed such that the protruding locking stops 120 and the subsidiary locking hole 130 of the coupling protrusion are tightly coupled to the receiving locking stops 230 and locking protrusion 240 of the coupling hole part 210, without defining a gap therebetween.

[45] Here, to tightly couple the protruding locking stops 120 and the receiving locking stops 230 to each other, gaps for coupling, which are defined by the locking stops, must have widths corresponding to the thickness of the plate spring 100 or 200. However, when a pressing mold for the plate spring 100 or 200 is manufactured, if a press punch has a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the plate spring (typically, the plate spring has a thickness of lmm or less due to the characteristics thereof), the press punch may be easily broken. Therefore, to avoid the above problem, it is preferable that junction parts between the protruding locking stops 120 and the receiving locking stops 230 have shapes such that the strength of the press punch can be enhanced within a range within which the intended function of the plate spring assembly or structure can be ensured. FIG. 4 is a view showing the coupling protrusion 110 having an improved shape (S) for increasing the durability of the press punch, which is used to form the protruding plate spring 100 through a pressing process.

[46] FIG. 2 shows the receiving plate spring 200, in which two rows of coupling hole parts 210 are longitudinally formed. The coupling hole parts 210 may be formed through opposite side parts of the plate spring, having a band shape, by press-punching in two longitudinal rows. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11, the coupling hole parts 210 may be formed in more than two rows, that is, multiple rows.

[47] As shown in FIG. 5, a primary insert slot 220, the receiving locking stops 230 and the locking protrusion 240 are formed in each coupling hole part 210.

[48] When the protruding plate spring 100 and the receiving plate spring 200 are coupled to each other, each coupling protrusion 110 of the protruding plate spring 100 is first inserted into the corresponding primary insert slot 220 of the receiving plate spring 200. At this time, to insert the coupling protrusion 110 into the coupling hole part 210 without causing interference with any part of the coupling hole part 210, it is preferable that the primary insert slot 220 be slightly larger than the coupling protrusion 110. In contrast, it is preferable that the receiving locking stops 230 and the locking protrusion 240 of the coupling hole part be constructed such that they tightly engage with the protruding locking stops 120 and the subsidiary locking hole 130 of the protruding plate spring 100.

[49] Furthermore, to prevent the protruding plate spring 100 from being undesirably separated from the receiving plate spring 200, that is, to prevent the protruding plate spring 100 from being undesirably removed in the direction designated by the reference character K of FIG. 9, the coupling protrusion 110 and the coupling hole part 210 are constructed such that, when the coupling protrusion 110 and the coupling hole part 210 are coupled to or separated from each other, the coupling protrusion 110 moves along the track defined by the curved coupling guide line (D of FIG. 7). In other words, to prevent the coupling protrusion 110 from being removed from the coupling hole part 210 in a direction perpendicular to the coupling protrusion 110 coupled to the coupling hole part 210, the locking protrusion 240 of the coupling hole part is shaped such that it is slightly oriented upwards to correspond to the curved coupling guide line D.

[50] Hereinafter, a process of constructing the plate spring structure through the coupling between the plate springs 100 and 200 having the above-mentioned constructions will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[51] One pair (two) of receiving plate springs 200 and one pair (two) or more protruding plate springs 100 are placed such that the protruding plate springs 100 are perpendicular to the receiving plate springs 200. That is, one receiving plate spring 200, one or more protruding plate springs 100, the other receiving plate spring 200 and one or more protruding plate springs 100 are alternately placed at 90° to form sidewalls of the plate spring structure having a rectangular cross-section.

[52] Furthermore, a worm gear 320 is disposed at a lower position (at the upper end when seen in the drawings) in the central portion of the assembled plate springs 100 and 200, such that the worm gear 320 engages with the gear holes (300 of FIG. 1 and 310 of FIG. 2), which are formed in the plate springs 100 and 200. When the worm gear 320 is rotated, the plate springs 100 and 200 construct a rectangular pillar through the coupling between the coupling protrusions 110 and the coupling hole parts 210 and extend upwards, as described below.

[53] As such, the protruding plate springs 100 are coupled to the receiving plate springs

200 to form the above-mentioned construction. Here, as a first condition for coupling between the plate springs 100 and 200, each coupling protrusion 110 of the protruding plate spring 100 must be inserted into the corresponding coupling hole part 210 of the receiving plate spring 200. For this, the protruding plate springs 100 must maintain upright states, and, simultaneously, the receiving plate springs 200 must maintain rounded states, as shown in FIG. 6. This can be realized by installing the protruding plate springs 100 and the receiving plate springs 200 at different heights, as shown by the reference character E of FIG. 6. Therefore, in a process of compressing the receiving plate springs 200 towards the protruding plate springs 100 using coupling guide rollers H, the coupling protrusions 110 of the protruding plate springs 100 are inserted into the primary insert slots 220 of the respective coupling hole parts 210 without interfering with any part of the receiving plate spring 200. Furthermore, in the process of coupling the plate springs 100 and 200 to each other, the protruding plate springs 100 are supported by protruding plate spring support guides B and an inside support member F.

[54] As such, in the initial process of first inserting the protruding plate springs 100 into the receiving plate springs 200, the protruding plate springs 100 and the receiving plate springs 200 do not contact each other. In other words, even though the protruding plate springs 100 are inserted into the receiving plate springs 200, they are not in the completely coupled state and are merely in a preparing state of being guided to a coupling enabling position, at which the protruding locking stops 120 can be locked to the corresponding receiving locking stops 230. In this process, because the plate springs 100 and 200 do not contact each other, wear, torsion or noise attributable to friction are not induced.

[55] In the portion G of FIG. 6, the protruding plate spring 100 maintains the linear state, while the receiving plate spring 200 is in the curved state. Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that the coupling protrusion 110 is in a state of being inserted into the corresponding primary insert slot 220 of the coupling hole part.

[56] FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view showing the coupling protrusion 110 inserted into the primary insert slot 220 of the coupling hole part 210. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view showing the coupling protrusion 110 completely inserted into the coupling hole part 210.

[57] As described above, the coupling protrusions 110, which have been primarily inserted, are moved rightwards (refer to FIG. 8) and, simultaneously, the protruding plate springs 100 and the receiving plate springs 200 are moved upwards by the rotation of the worm gear (320 of FIG. 6), which engages with the gear holes 300 and 310 and is disposed at the center of a rectangular pillar defined by the coupling between the protruding plate springs 100 and the receiving plate springs 200, thus constructing the rectangular plate spring structure. In detail, as shown in FIG. 7, the protruding plate spring 100 is smoothly bent along the curved coupling guide line D and is completely inserted into the coupling hole part, up to the receiving locking stops 230 thereof at a coupling protrusion insertion base point C by protruding plate spring inserting supports A, the plate spring support guides B and the inside support member F.

[58] At this time, the coupling protrusions 110 of the plate springs 100 can be smoothly inserted into the corresponding coupling hole parts 210 of the plate springs 100 to the receiving locking stops 230 of the coupling hole parts 210 along the curved coupling guide line D without twisting or excessively bending. Furthermore, the protruding plate springs 100 are supported by the coupling guide rollers H such that they are inserted into the receiving plate springs 200 without interfering with the receiving plate springs 200, and positions at which the protruding plate springs 100 are inserted into the receiving plate springs 200, are maintained constant.

[59] Here, the insertion of the protruding locking stops 120 of the coupling protrusion to the receiving locking stops 230 means that the coupling protrusion 110 is completely coupled to the coupling hole part 210 along the curved coupling guide line D. In contrast, to disassemble them from each other, the coupling protrusion 110 must be moved along the curved coupling guide line D in a reverse direction such that it can be removed from the coupling hole part 210. In other words, the coupling protrusion 110, which has been completely coupled to the coupling hole part 210, cannot be separated from the coupling hole part 210 in the direction K of FIG. 9 (that is, in a horizontal direction). As such, the coupling between the coupling protrusions 110 and the coupling hole parts 210 are consecutively conducted in the vertical direction of the plate springs 100 and 200 through the above-mentioned process. Therefore, the protruding locking stops 120 and the receiving locking stops 230 prevent the receiving plate springs 200 from being undesirably removed in directions designated by the characters X of FIG. 10, and the locking protrusions 240 of the coupling hole parts of the receiving plate springs 200 prevents the protruding plate springs 100 from being undesirably removed in directions designated by the characters X of FIG. 10 (refer to FIG. 4).

[60] Furthermore, the coupling between the plate springs 100 and 200 is also supported in the direction of the Z-axis (FIG. 10) by the protruding locking stops 120 and the receiving locking stops 230 and the locking protrusions 240 of the coupling hole parts, which are illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 5. Thus, the plate spring structure having a rectangular pillar shape can have sufficient vertical supporting force.

[61] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate examples of a receiving plate spring 200 having multiple rows of coupling hole parts 210. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a plate spring structure constructed by coupling more than one pair of (two) protruding plate springs 100 to receiving plate springs 200, each of which has multiple rows of coupling hole parts 210.

[62] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the strength of the plate spring structure having a rectangular pillar shape can be further reinforced by the coupling between more than one pair of (two) protruding plate springs 100 and more than two rows, that is, multiple rows, of coupling hole parts 210 of the receiving plate springs 200. [63] Furthermore, in the present invention, to reduce the installation space of the rectangular plate spring structure constructed using four or more plate springs 100 and 200, it is preferable that the lower parts of the plate springs 100 and 200, which are not coupled to each other, be wound around drums in the same manner as a method of winding a windup spring of a clock (see, FIG. 15). In addition, it is preferable that four or more plate springs 100 and 200 be controlled using a single motor and various gear combinations at the same time, in order to precisely couple the plate springs to each other. As well, a top plate, on which an object is placed, may be provided on the upper end of the rectangular plate spring structure. Moreover, a subsidiary guide may be provided to prevent the rectangular plate spring structure from falling over when the plate spring structure is raised to a relatively high position.

[64] FIGS. 14 and 15 are perspective views showing the plate spring structure constructed to have a rectangular pillar shape, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[65] In the plate spring structure, disclosed for illustrative purposes, when the plate springs are coupled to each other to form a rectangular pillar shape, if plate springs are twisted at predetermined angles or further, or the plate springs are forcibly fitted into the other plate springs, the durability of the plate spring is reduced, and abrasion and deformation of the plate spring and noise are induced, so that it becomes difficult to apply the plate spring structure in actual industry. However, in the case of the plate spring assembly and the plate spring structure according to present invention, in the process of coupling or disassembling the plate springs to or from each other, the plate springs can be smoothly coupled to or disassembled from each other without excessively bending or twisting them. Moreover, in the case where a lubricating means is appropriately applied to junctions between the plate springs, the present invention can be semi-permanently used.

[66] Although the specified terms have been used to illustrate the components in the preferred embodiments of the present invention, they must be regarded only as illustrative examples, and not as limiting the meaning of the present invention or the bounds of the present invention disclosed in the accompanying claims. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible. Therefore, the technical bounds of the present invention must be defined by the technical scope and spirit of the accompanying claims.

Claims

[1] A plate spring assembly, comprising: a protruding plate spring having a band shape, with a plurality of coupling protrusions provided on each of longitudinal opposite edges of the protruding plate spring at positions spaced apart from each other at regular intervals; and a receiving plate spring having a band shape, with a plurality of coupling hole parts formed in each of longitudinal opposite sides of the receiving plate spring at positions spaced apart from each other at regular intervals to correspond to the coupling protrusions, wherein each of the coupling hole parts of the receiving plate spring comprises: a primary insert slot extending a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction; a plurality of receiving locking stops extending from upper and lower positions of the primary insert slot towards a central portion of the receiving plate spring; and a locking protrusion provided between the plurality of receiving locking stops and protruding towards the primary insert slot, and each of the coupling protrusions of the protruding plate spring is removably inserted into the primary insert slot of the corresponding coupling hole part, and comprises: a plurality of protruding locking stops provided on opposite ends of the coupling protrusion, the protruding locking stops being locked to the respective receiving locking stops; and a subsidiary locking hole formed in the coupling protrusion, the subsidiary locking hole being removably fitted over the locking protrusion of the coupling hole part.

[2] The plate spring assembly according to claim 1, wherein the locking protrusion of each of the coupling hole parts of the receiving plate spring has a curved coupling guide line, which guides the corresponding coupling protrusion of the protrusion plate such that the coupling protrusion, which is inserted into the primary slot of the coupling hole part, is moved along a predetermined curved track until the protruding locking stops are locked to the respective receiving locking stops.

[3] The plate spring assembly according to claim 1, wherein gear holes are formed in each of central portions of the receiving plate spring and the protruding plate spring at positions spaced apart from each other at regular intervals.

[4] A plate spring structure, comprising: a protruding plate spring having a band shape, with a plurality of coupling protrusions provided on each of longitudinal opposite edges of the protruding spring at positions spaced apart from each other at regular intervals; and a receiving plate spring, having a band shape, with a plurality of coupling hole parts formed in each of longitudinal opposite sides of the receiving plate spring at positions spaced apart from each other at regular intervals to correspond to the coupling protrusions, wherein each of the coupling hole parts of the receiving plate spring comprises: a primary insert slot, extending a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction; a plurality of receiving locking stops extending from upper and lower positions of the primary insert slot towards a central portion of the receiving plate spring; and a locking protrusion provided between the plurality of receiving locking stops and protruding towards the primary insert slot, and each of the coupling protrusions of the protruding plate spring is removably inserted into the primary insert slot of the corresponding coupling hole part, and comprises: a plurality of protruding locking stops provided on opposite ends of the coupling protrusion, the protruding locking stops being locked to the respective receiving locking stops; and a subsidiary locking hole formed in the coupling protrusion, the subsidiary locking hole being removably fitted over the locking protrusion of the coupling hole part, wherein the protruding plate spring and the receiving plate spring respectively comprise a pair of protruding plate springs, which face each other, and a pair of receiving plate springs, which face each other, to form a rectangular pillar shape, so that the receiving plate spring and the protruding plate spring, which are adjacent to each other, are coupled to each other by coupling between the coupling hole parts and the coupling protrusions thereof.

[5] The plate spring structure according to claim 4, wherein each of the receiving plate springs further comprises at least one row of coupling hole parts, which are formed in a longitudinal central portion of the receiving plate spring at positions spaced apart from each other at regular intervals, the plate spring structure further comprising: at least one protruding plate spring, to be coupled to the coupling hole parts formed in the longitudinal central portions of the receiving plate springs.

[6] The plate spring structure according to claim 4, wherein gear holes are formed in a central portion of each of the receiving plate springs and the protruding plate springs at positions spaced apart from each other at regular intervals.

[7] The plate spring structure according to claim 6, further comprising: a worm gear provided in the plate spring structure and engaging with the gear holes of the receiving plate springs and the protruding plate springs.

[8] The plate spring structure according to claim 7, wherein the locking protrusion of each of the coupling hole parts of the receiving plate springs has a curved coupling guide line, which guides the corresponding coupling protrusion of the protrusion plate such that the coupling protrusion, which is inserted into the primary slot of the coupling hole part, is moved along a predetermined curved track until the protruding locking stops are locked to the respective receiving locking stops, the plate spring structure further comprising: a plurality of coupling guide rollers provided in a lower end of the plate spring structure to guide the respective receiving plate springs such that the coupling protrusions of the protruding plate springs are coupled to or separated from the respective coupling hole parts of the receiving plate springs along the curved tracks.

[9] The plate spring structure according to claim 8, further comprising: a plurality of protruding plate spring inserting supports disposed above the plurality of coupling guide rollers and pushing inwards the coupling protrusions of the protruding plate springs, which are inserted into the coupling hole parts of the receiving plate springs, such that the coupling protrusions are locked to the receiving locking stops of the coupling hole parts.

[10] The plate spring structure according to claim 8, further comprising: first winding means provided below the plate spring structure to wind thereon lower ends of the receiving plate springs, separated from the protruding plate springs; and second winding means, provided below the first winding means at a position spaced apart from the first winding means by a predetermined distance to wind thereon lower ends of the protruding plate springs separated from the receiving plate springs.

[11] The plate spring structure according to claim 8, further comprising: protruding plate spring support guides provided above and below the plurality of coupling guide rollers to guide the protruding plate springs such that the protruding plate springs, to be coupled to or separated from the receiving plate springs, maintain linear states.